Criminal Cases Opened in Namangan Region Over Corruption and Illegal Use of Forest Land

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Numerous violations of the law have been identified at the Papsky Specialized State Forestry Enterprise, including actions involving the institution’s officials.

In early January, a working group conducted an inspection of the targeted use of forest fund lands under the management of the Papsky Specialized State Forestry Enterprise.

The investigation revealed that due to negligent performance of official duties, five entrepreneurs renting land plots from the enterprise built structures without proper authorization and changed the designated use of the land. These actions caused significant damage to state interests.

Additionally, failure to collect lease payments from 460 tenants caused state losses of 1.48 billion soums. Authorities expressed particular concern over evidence of collusion between forestry officials and some tenants.

Between 2023 and 2025, 5,356 cubic meters of non-metallic materials were illegally extracted, causing further damage to the state amounting to 1.322 billion soums.

Criminal cases have been opened against officials of the Papsky Specialized State Forestry Enterprise and other involved parties under Articles 193, 196¹, 207, and 229 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Investigations are ongoing.

During separate joint operations conducted by the Namangan Regional State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the head of one forestry unit was caught red-handed receiving US$15,000 for facilitating the allocation of a 20-sotka (0.2-hectare) plot, previously part of the forestry land and later returned to the district hokimiyat reserve, for residential use for a citizen born in 1998 residing in Chust district.

During follow-up operations, a specialist from the Papsky District branch of the State Cadastral Chamber was also detained while receiving US$500 from the same sum. Both individuals are facing criminal charges under Article 168 of the Criminal Code, and investigations are ongoing.

Furthermore, the acting director of the Papsky Specialized State Forestry Enterprise, abusing his official position, violated the established procedure for leasing land plots through an online electronic auction. He demanded US$10,000 from a local entrepreneur for leasing 50 sotkas (0.5 hectares) of enterprise land and was detained with evidence while receiving a US$5,000 advance. A criminal case has been opened against him under Article 168, Part 3, Clause “v” of the Criminal Code, and the investigation continues.

It is noted that this official had previously been repeatedly held criminally liable but once again misused his powers.